He was previously mixed berry category manager for Dole. Connery spent most of his career with Duda Farm Fresh Foods, where he was domestic and export sales manager.

At California Giant, he will manage the bush berry category in the U.S. and internationally, directing the sales group for the year-round program, according to a news release.

Connery will work with the vice presidents of sales and field operations to increase volume in all growing regions and retail market share.

California Giant also recently hired Wes White and Gaby Pena as sales coordinators to assist sales staff in managing the increase in volume and needed support for its full product line.

Serjio Sanchez was promoted to salesman, expanding his role. He was hired as an analyst in late 2012.

“Jerry is coming into California Giant just as the season is ramping up, and Serjio is more than ready to have a greater role within the sales department to make an impact … as we expand our sales team and service level to our customers,” Anthony Gallino, vice president of sales, said in the release.